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Engr. Ahmed Mahdy

Welcome to our course, "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering," where you will learn everything about automatic control theory from scratch for electrical engineers.

What Students Will Learn from the Course:

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Welcome to our course, "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering," where you will learn everything about automatic control theory from scratch for electrical engineers.

What Students Will Learn from the Course:

  • Fundamentals of Control Systems:

    • Understand the basic principles of automatic control.

    • Learn the importance and applications of control systems in various fields.

  • Mathematical Modelling:

    • Develop mathematical models of electrical and mechanical systems.

    • Gain proficiency in Fourier Series, Fourier Transform, Laplace Transform, and Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) systems.

  • Block Diagram and Signal Flow Graph Techniques:

    • Master the concepts of block diagrams and their reduction techniques.

    • Convert block diagrams into Signal Flow Graphs (SFG) and use Mason’s Formula.

  • Time Response Analysis:

    • Analyze the time response of first and second-order systems.

    • Understand key specifications like rise time, peak time, and settling time.

  • Stability Analysis:

    • Determine system stability using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion.

    • Calculate steady-state errors for different inputs and systems.

  • Root-Locus and Frequency Response Methods:

    • Learn to sketch root-locus plots and analyze their effect on system behavior.

    • Perform frequency response analysis using polar plots, Nyquist criteria, and Bode plots.

  • Compensators and PID Controllers:

    • Design and implement various compensators in control systems.

    • Understand and tune PID controllers using methods like Ziegler-Nichols and Particle Swarm Optimization.

  • Introduction and Fundamentals of Distributed Generators (DGs):

    • Understand the basic concepts, importance, and classifications of distributed generators.

    • Learn about various DG technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, ultra-capacitors, and flywheel energy storage systems.

    • Explore the principles, operation, and control goals of SSGs.

    • Examine the relationship between active and reactive power in synchronous machines.

    • Understand scalar control, generation of switching signals, and hysteresis current control.

  • Advanced Control Techniques for SSGs:

    • Master space vector representation of balanced three-phase systems.

    • Gain proficiency in Clarke and Park transformations, frame transformations, and power-invariant methods.

    • Implement vector control strategies, including open-loop and closed-loop control of SSGs.

    • Learn to estimate the phasor angle, integrate filters with lag phase shifts, and apply phase-locked loop (PLL) systems.

  • Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT):

    • Understand the fundamentals of grid-connected PV systems and MPPT techniques.

    • Analyze and implement the "Perturb and Observe" method for tracking maximum power.

    • Learn vector control of single-stage PV systems.

    • Develop simulation models for grid-connected PV systems in MATLAB/Simulink.

    • Design PV arrays, control loops, and the rest of the system for comprehensive simulations.

    • Test and validate system performance, including voltage control at the point of common coupling.

    • Understand the switching states of a two-level inverter and implement sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) for precise control.

    • Learn feedforward decoupling control principles, implement control loops in MATLAB, and calculate equivalent impedance.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of control systems, from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, ensuring students are well-prepared to apply these skills in real-world scenarios.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Grasp the fundamentals of automatic control.
  • Explore the significance and real-world applications of control systems.
  • Create mathematical models for various systems.
  • Master fourier series, fourier transform, laplace transform, and lti systems.
  • Understand and reduce block diagrams in control systems.
  • Convert block diagrams to signal flow graphs (sfg) and apply mason’s formula.
  • Analyze the time response of first and second-order systems.
  • Learn key metrics such as rise time, peak time, and settling time.
  • Evaluate system stability using the routh-hurwitz criterion.
  • Calculate steady-state errors for various inputs and systems.
  • Sketch and interpret root-locus plots.
  • Perform frequency response analysis using polar plots, nyquist criteria, and bode plots.
  • Design and implement lead and lag compensators.
  • Tune pid controllers using methods like ziegler-nichols and particle swarm optimization.
  • Understand the fundamental concepts of distributed generators (dgs) and their role in modern power systems.
  • Explore various dg technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, ultra capacitors, and flywheel energy storage systems.
  • Learn about the significance and benefits of dgs in energy systems.
  • Study the classification of dgs and the role of static synchronous generators (ssg).
  • Understand the control goals of an ssg, including managing active and reactive power in synchronous machines.
  • Gain proficiency in scalar control and the generation of switching signals for dgs.
  • Study vector control techniques, including open-loop and closed-loop control of ssgs.
  • Learn hysteresis current control (hcc) and how it is applied in dg systems.
  • Understand frame transformations, including clarke and park transforms, for converting three-phase systems to simpler forms.
  • Learn how these transformations are applied to real-world control scenarios through practical examples.
  • Explore space vector control and voltage orientation methods.
  • Understand phase-locked loops (pll) and how to estimate grid voltage phasor angles.
  • Study the importance of adding filters with phase shifts to stabilize power generation systems.
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Mathematical Modelling of Systems
Introduction to Automatic Control
Mathematical Modelling of the System
Fourier Series and Fourier Transform
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers mathematical modeling of electrical and mechanical systems, which is essential for designing and analyzing control systems in electrical engineering
Explores distributed generator technologies like hydrogen fuel cells, ultra-capacitors, and flywheel energy storage, which are increasingly relevant in modern power systems
Includes hands-on experience with MATLAB/Simulink for simulating grid-connected PV systems, which is a valuable skill for electrical engineers working with renewable energy
Teaches classical control techniques like root locus, Bode plots, and Nyquist criteria, which are fundamental tools for analyzing and designing control systems
Requires familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink for simulating and implementing control systems, which may require additional software and learning for some students
Emphasizes the use of classical control techniques, which may not fully address the complexities of modern control systems that often require more advanced methods

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive ee automatic control theory

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of automatic control theory, specifically tailored for electrical engineers. Students frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations and the way complex topics are broken down. The course covers a wide range of fundamental concepts through to more advanced techniques and practical applications, including extensive use of MATLAB/Simulink for simulations, which many find highly valuable. While the breadth is a significant strength, some learners note that the course moves at a relatively fast pace, particularly in later, more advanced sections, which might require dedicating extra time or having a solid foundational understanding.
Builds a solid base for control theory.
"This course gave me a solid foundation in control systems."
"I feel much more confident in my understanding after taking this."
"Great for building up from the basics."
Hands-on practice using MATLAB/Simulink.
"The MATLAB/Simulink exercises were incredibly helpful for visualizing concepts."
"Learning how to simulate control systems in MATLAB was a major plus."
"The practical examples using MATLAB really solidified my understanding."
Covers a broad range of control theory.
"This course is very comprehensive, covering fundamentals all the way to modern topics."
"It touches upon almost every important aspect of automatic control theory for EE."
"I found the coverage of both classical and modern control techniques excellent."
Instructor explains complex topics clearly.
"The instructor explains everything very well, making complex topics easy to understand."
"I really appreciated how the lectures broke down difficult concepts into manageable pieces."
"The explanations were clear and concise, which is essential for this subject."
Course moves quickly, requires dedication.
"The course pace is quite fast, especially later on. Be prepared to spend extra time."
"Some sections felt rushed; I had to pause and re-watch lectures frequently."
"If you're not already familiar with some concepts, the speed might be challenging."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering with these activities:
Review Laplace Transforms
Refresh your understanding of Laplace Transforms, a crucial tool for analyzing LTI systems in the s-domain, which is covered extensively in the course.
Browse courses on Laplace Transform
Show steps
  • Review the definition and properties of the Laplace Transform.
  • Practice solving problems involving Laplace Transforms of common functions.
  • Work through examples of using Laplace Transforms to solve differential equations.
Read "Control Systems Engineering" by Norman S. Nise
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of control systems engineering, providing additional examples and explanations.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the current course topics.
  • Work through the examples provided in the book.
  • Attempt the end-of-chapter problems to test your understanding.
Simulate Control Systems in MATLAB/Simulink
Reinforce your understanding of control systems by simulating various systems and controllers in MATLAB/Simulink, allowing you to visualize their behavior and performance.
Show steps
  • Build Simulink models of first and second-order systems.
  • Implement PID controllers and compensators in Simulink.
  • Analyze the time response and stability of the simulated systems.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Blog Post on PID Controller Tuning Methods
Solidify your knowledge of PID controllers by writing a blog post explaining different tuning methods like Ziegler-Nichols and Particle Swarm Optimization.
Show steps
  • Research different PID controller tuning methods.
  • Write a clear and concise explanation of each method.
  • Include examples and diagrams to illustrate the concepts.
  • Publish the blog post on a relevant platform.
Design a Control System for a DC Motor
Apply your knowledge to a practical project by designing a control system for a DC motor, including modeling, controller design, and simulation.
Show steps
  • Model the DC motor using transfer functions.
  • Design a PID controller to meet specific performance requirements.
  • Simulate the closed-loop system in MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Analyze the results and refine the controller design.
Read "Modern Control Systems" by Richard C. Dorf and Robert H. Bishop
Deepen your understanding of advanced control techniques with a textbook that covers both classical and modern control methods, providing real-world examples and case studies.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on advanced control techniques.
  • Study the case studies provided in the book.
  • Attempt the advanced problems to challenge your understanding.
Contribute to an Open-Source Control Systems Library
Enhance your skills and contribute to the community by contributing to an open-source control systems library, such as adding new functions or improving existing code.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source control systems library on GitHub.
  • Identify a feature or bug to work on.
  • Implement the feature or fix the bug and submit a pull request.
  • Respond to feedback and revise your code as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems for various applications. This role often involves working with electrical and mechanical systems, making the "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course highly relevant. The course helps build a foundation in mathematical modeling, block diagram reduction, and time response analysis, all crucial for designing effective control systems. Moreover, the course covers compensators and PID controllers, providing practical knowledge for real-world implementation. Learning about root locus methods and frequency response analysis helps a Control Systems Engineer optimize system performance and ensure stability. Knowledge of LTI systems is also helpful. The course’s coverage of distributed generators and advanced control techniques further enhances the skillset needed for advanced projects.
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and programs robots for various applications. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course is very useful, given that control systems are fundamental to robotics. This course helps build strong skills in mathematical modeling, Laplace transforms, and LTI systems, which are essential for simulating and controlling robot behavior. Block diagram reduction and signal flow graph techniques, as covered in the course, aid in designing complex robotic systems. Understanding time response analysis and stability, as well as PID controllers, helps a Robotics Engineer to create robots that are not only functional, but also stable and precise. The course's practical approach, including compensator design, prepares a Robotics Engineer to tackle real-world engineering problems.
Power Systems Engineer
Power Systems Engineers are at the forefront of designing and maintaining electrical power grids and systems. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course provides specific knowledge directly applicable to this field. This course helps one build the foundation related to distributed generators, synchronous generators, and photovoltaic systems, all of which are key components of modern power systems. Learning vector control strategies and advanced control techniques for SSGs equips a Power Systems Engineer with the skills to optimize grid performance. The course's coverage of MPPT techniques for PV systems, along with simulation models in MATLAB, offers practical experience in renewable energy integration. Understanding stability analysis and frequency response methods, as covered in the course, is crucial for ensuring the reliable operation of power grids.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineering is a broad field, and the "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course offers specialized knowledge that enhances expertise in control-related areas. This course helps one build core skills in mathematical modeling and system analysis, essential for any Electrical Engineer. The course’s coverage of Laplace transforms, LTI systems, and block diagram reduction offers tools for understanding and designing electrical circuits and systems. Time response analysis and stability analysis provide insights into system behavior and reliability. Moreover, the course’s practical content on compensators and PID controllers helps an Electrical Engineer to implement effective control solutions in various applications. The knowledge gained from this course enhances problem-solving skills, making an Electrical Engineer more versatile and capable.
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer designs and implements automated systems in manufacturing and other industries. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course provides essential knowledge for this role. This course helps build a strong foundation in control systems and mathematical modeling, critical for designing effective automation solutions. The course covers block diagram reduction, signal flow graph techniques, and time response analysis, aiding in the development of robust systems. Understanding PID controllers and compensators also enables an Automation Engineer to fine-tune system performance. Skills in stability analysis and frequency response methods, as covered in the course, are crucial for ensuring reliable and safe operation. The course also helps one learn to apply these theoretical concepts to real-world automation projects with confidence.
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and develop automated systems. Given the interdisciplinary nature of mechatronics, the "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course proves invaluable. This course helps build understanding of mathematical modeling, Laplace transforms, and LTI systems, all essential building blocks for simulating and controlling electro-mechanical systems. Block diagram reduction and signal flow graph techniques, covered in the course, help in designing integrated systems. The course’s emphasis on time response analysis, stability, and PID controllers helps a Mechatronics Engineer design systems that are not only functional, but also precise and reliable. Coverage of compensator design also prepares a Mechatronics Engineer to optimize system performance in real-world scenarios.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, test, and maintain aircraft and spacecraft, often utilizing advanced control systems. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course can be beneficial for those focusing on control systems within aerospace engineering. This course helps build a foundation for understanding control systems and their mathematical models, crucial for designing flight control systems. The course covers block diagram reduction, signal flow graph techniques, and root locus methods, helpful for analyzing system behavior and stability. Knowledge of PID controllers and compensators also allows an Aerospace Engineer to refine system performance. The course’s content enhances the ability to design and optimize control systems for aerospace applications.
System Modeling Engineer
A System Modeling Engineer creates and analyzes models of complex systems to predict their behavior and optimize their performance. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course is highly applicable to this role. This course helps build a strong toolkit for mathematical modeling using Fourier series, Fourier transforms, and Laplace transforms. The course covers block diagram reduction and signal flow graph techniques, which are helpful for representing complex systems visually and analytically. Time response analysis, stability analysis, and root locus methods, as taught in the course, help a System Modeling Engineer to assess system dynamics and robustness. The course's coverage of MATLAB simulations also offers practical skills in model validation and refinement.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests embedded systems, which often require precise control and real-time performance. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course may be useful as it provides a solid foundation in control theory. This course helps build understanding of mathematical modeling, LTI systems, and Laplace transforms, all essential for designing embedded control algorithms. The course covers time response analysis, stability analysis, and PID controllers, aiding in the development of robust and responsive embedded systems. The skills acquired help an Embedded Systems Engineer to optimize the performance and reliability of embedded systems in various applications.
Instrumentation Engineer
Instrumentation Engineers are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining instruments and control systems used in various industries. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course may be useful, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of control systems. The course helps to analyze system stability using methods like the Routh-Hurwitz criterion and frequency response analysis. Understanding PID controllers and compensators allows an Instrumentation Engineer to tune and optimize system performance. This knowledge helps an Instrumentation Engineer to ensure accurate and reliable measurements and control in industrial processes.
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer designs and implements tests to ensure the quality and reliability of products and systems. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course helps provide a strong background for testing control systems. The course helps build knowledge related to time response analysis, stability analysis, and frequency response methods, which are useful for evaluating system performance under various conditions. The course's content helps to design effective test procedures and interpret test results accurately. This helps a Test Engineer to ensure that control systems meet specified performance criteria and function reliably.
Energy Storage Systems Engineer
Energy Storage Systems Engineer designs, develops, and integrates energy storage solutions using technologies like batteries, fuel cells, and flywheels. The "Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering" course may be helpful, given its coverage of distributed generators and advanced control techniques. The course helps understand concepts of hydrogen fuel cells, ultra-capacitors, and flywheel energy storage systems. Learning vector control strategies and MPPT techniques equips an Energy Storage Systems Engineer with the skills to optimize system performance. The course’s content enhances the ability to design and control energy storage systems effectively.
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer is involved in the design and development of new products, often incorporating control systems and automation. The 'Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering' course may provide valuable knowledge for developing products with embedded control features. The course helps in understanding mathematical modeling and system analysis, essential for designing product control systems. Furthermore, knowledge of PID controllers and compensators, as covered in the course, helps one to optimize product performance and user experience. The course’s content may enhance the ability to innovate and create products that are both functional and efficient.
Research and Development Engineer
A Research and Development Engineer conducts research and develops new technologies and solutions. The 'Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering' course may be useful as theoretical understanding. The course builds theoretical knowledge by studying vector control techniques, including open-loop and closed-loop control of SSGs. Learning about phase-locked loops (PLL) and how to estimate grid voltage phasor angles may be helpful in the design of new technologies.
Technical Sales Engineer
A Technical Sales Engineer needs to have a solid technical understanding of control systems to effectively communicate the features and benefits of their company's products. The 'Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering' course may provide valuable knowledge for a sales engineer. The course builds theoretical knowledge by studying vector control techniques, including open-loop and closed-loop control of SSGs. Learning about phase-locked loops (PLL) and how to estimate grid voltage phasor angles may be helpful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ultimate Automatic Control Theory in Electrical Engineering.
Comprehensive resource for control systems engineering. It covers topics from basic concepts to advanced control techniques, aligning well with the course syllabus. It provides detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practice problems, making it an excellent reference for understanding and applying control theory. This book is commonly used as a textbook in control systems courses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern control systems, covering both classical and modern control techniques. It includes detailed explanations of root locus, frequency response, and state-space methods. The book also features numerous examples and case studies, making it a valuable resource for understanding advanced control concepts. This book is commonly used as a textbook in control systems courses.

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